August 11th, Thursday, the sixth day of the Koshien tournament.
In the early morning, the room was pitch-black and silent.
Half-asleep, Takashi felt something heavy on his chest, like a laptop resting on it.
His eyes hadn't even opened yet, but his hand instinctively moved up.
"Ugh!"
Hitomi, irritated, slapped Takashi's body.
After an entire night of tossing and turning, she spoke in her husky, sultry voice, "Don't move around."
After saying that, she snuggled into his arms again, adjusting into a more comfortable position and going back to sleep.
Still hugging Hitomi, Takashi dozed for a bit before slowly waking up.
When he opened his eyes, the room was completely dark due to the tightly shut windows and doors.
His right hand rested on Hitomi's waist and couldn't move—not that he wanted to.
So he reached with his left hand to the nightstand and switched on the small lamp.
Under the warm yellow glow, the girl's eyes were closed, long lashes casting a soft shadow and hiding all her exhaustion.
The light reflected off her serene and elegant face, making everything seem perfect.
Takashi quietly gazed at the girl in his arms.
Her skin was pale and soft, her nose small and refined, her lips slightly pursed and rosy, her long lashes fluttering like spring butterflies.
Her rose-pink lips were slightly parted, revealing a glimpse of pearl-white teeth.
The girl in his arms was perfect.
So perfect that even though Takashi knew she was temperamental, unreasonable, and even dangerous to be around, he was still willing to fall for her.
As he stared, suddenly, without any warning, Hitomi opened her eyes and looked at him.
"What are you staring at?" she asked with a smirk.
"You," Takashi answered.
"After all this time, you're still not tired of looking?"
Hitomi smiled, satisfied.
She loved seeing that obsessed look in Takashi's eyes.
"Probably…" Takashi deliberately paused, and seeing the dissatisfaction in her eyes grow, he finally smiled and said, "A lifetime still wouldn't be enough."
Then, he leaned down and kissed her.
Hitomi slapped his back, but quickly closed her eyes to enjoy it.
After all, Takashi was an incredible kisser—able to awaken the deepest desires in a woman. But halfway through the kiss, she suddenly pushed him away, staring at him coldly.
"W-What's wrong?" Takashi looked confused.
They were kissing just fine—why stop now?
"Why are you so good at kissing?"
"What?"
"Kissing?"
"Uh… maybe I'm just naturally gifted?"
Takashi mumbled, eyes shifting. Hitomi wasn't buying it for a second.
"Tell me! Did you kiss Narii behind my back?!"
Suddenly, Hitomi flipped over, straddling Takashi, hands at his throat, glaring darkly.
Her white hair dangled over his nose, tickling him and making him want to sneeze.
"Absolutely not!"
Takashi swore immediately.
Only an idiot would admit something like that.
Sure, he said he wanted to be honest—but that had to be done step by step, right?
You can't get fat from one bite.
"My first kiss was with you. I swear it on the name of Japan! If I'm lying, may a volcano erupt right now!"
Takashi started swearing oaths again.
Hitomi stared into his eyes for a while before letting go of his neck. "You'd better be telling the truth. If I find out you lied to me, you're dead."
"How could I be that kind of guy?"
"You're not?"
"Of course not."
Hitomi didn't want to argue further. She snorted and collapsed onto him like she had no strength left.
"I'm tired. Carry me to the shower."
"What for? Can't we wait a bit?"
Takashi hugged her tighter, unwilling to get up.
Hitomi wrapped her arms around his neck, taking in the scent of his body with a touch of longing.
"Can't. There's an important meeting today."
Hitomi was a rational person.
To her, enjoying the perks of privilege came with responsibilities.
She should've returned yesterday, but she had been seduced by a handsome man and stayed another night.
Ah, beauty was her downfall.
"If I don't go back today, some people might really start pushing their luck!"
Hitomi hadn't forgotten how Shinomiya Gan'an had made a move on Takashi.
She knew it was a test.
He was testing how important Takashi was to her.
Since Shinomiya Gan'an made a move, she had to give a proper response to that old man!
After lingering in bed a bit longer, Takashi eventually carried Hitomi to the bathroom.
They took a shower together, then got dressed and went downstairs. Her bodyguards and entourage were already waiting at the door.
After hugging for a while longer, Hitomi finally got into the car and left.
Watching the car disappear down the street, Takashi didn't return to the hotel. Instead, he began jogging down the empty morning streets.
The fog was thick, and nearly all shops were still closed.
Dew clung to the stone-paved roads. The streets were empty except for a few salarymen hurrying to work and a few drunks who'd been passed out since last night.
…
Miku woke up earlier than usual today.
Seeing the others still asleep, she didn't disturb them. She quietly got dressed, signaled Kuro to stay quiet, and tiptoed out with him.
Though they had initially come to support Takashi, they'd ended up having a lot of fun.
Led by Nino, the five sisters had toured almost all of Nishinomiya City, taking photos at various landmarks.
They played so much that even someone with stamina like Yotsuba couldn't get out of bed.
Miku had been completely drained yesterday, so Nino finally let her rest in the hotel.
Now, walking Kuro through the morning mist, Miku took in the scenery of the city.
Compared to group activities, she preferred exploring alone.
That way, she could visit the Nishinomiya Shrine built during the Heian period, the legendary Horai Gorge, the former residence of Tatsuma Kishijuro, and the church of Anne Rose.
Hyogo Prefecture was rich in history, full of ruins and relics waiting to be discovered. From ancient castles to grand shrines, from tranquil temples to bustling ports—each place carried the unique history and culture of Hyogo.
That allure was far more interesting to Miku than trendy attractions.
As they grew older, the five sisters began developing different tastes.
Truth be told, Miku didn't enjoy the places Nino took them to.
But she was introverted—someone who kept dissatisfaction bottled up inside.
As they walked, Kuro seemed to sniff something, twitched his nose, and changed direction, dragging Miku along.
"Kuro?"
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